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LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis)

©Nigel Key Lesser Scaup (Slimbridge March 2011)

The Lesser Scaup, also known as the Little Bluebill or Broadbill, is a diving duck from North America.

The Lesser Scaup is very similar in appearance to the Greater Scaup except smaller and not as bulky.
(Compare the two Ducks)

Although the Lesser Scaup has the largest population of diving duck in North America, their population has been declining over the decades. They are currently classed as Least Concern but this may be revised to Near Threatened if the decline continues.

   Hear the Lesser Scaup's Call:-
Conservation Status


Size
380mm to 480mm (15" to 19")

Appearance - Male
The male has a Black effervescent head with a small tuft, Pale Blue bill with a Black tip, Yellow eyes, a Black breast, White/Grey back and wings with darker vermiculations. The underparts and flanks are White with subtle vermiculation. The legs and feet are Grey/Green.

Appearance - Female
The female has mainly Dark Brown plumage with a White band around the base of the bill, Orange eyes and White underparts.

Habitat
Lakes, Rivers, Ponds, Lagoons and Bays.

Diet
Aquatic Seeds and Insects, Clams, Oysters, and Mussels.

Breeding Time
Mid May to June.

Nest
The nest is built in a shallow on the ground lined with feathers and down, concealed in dense vegetation near water.

Eggs
Quantity: 9 to 11
Colour: Olive Buff.





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PHOTOGRAPHS

Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge September 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge September 2015) - pic by Nigel Key Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge August 2016) - pic by Nigel Key
26/09/15 26/09/15 16/08/16
Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge March 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge April 2015) - pic by Nigel Key
06/07/13 16/03/14 09/04/15
Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge March 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge May 2012) - pic by Nigel Key Lesser Scaup (WWT Slimbridge May 2012) - pic by Nigel Key
25/03/11 26/05/12 26/05/12
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


Related Links:-


Greater Scaup - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Lesser Scaup v's Greater Scaup

Diving Ducks - www.slim-bridge.co.uk


You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.



LOCATION

??
Breeding Habitat - North America
Macenzie delta, Alaskan interior, Hudson Bay, South Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Iowa.
Winter Habitat or Migration Area
Winters in Central America.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Lesser Scaup
North America Zone - WWT Slimbridge
© Nigel Key North America Zone (WWT Slimbridge September 2012)

The Lesser Scaup can be found in the North America Zone.

North America Zone (WWT Slimbridge)
North America Zone.
Where can I find this location?
To locate the North America Zone and places of interest at Slimbridge Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (W.W.T.), please click the above image for a map.

WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl G to L
Gadwall
Garganey
Goldeneye
Greater Flamingo
Greater Scaup
Grey-Crowned Crane
Greylag Goose
Hardhead
Hawaiian Goose
Hooded Merganser
James's Flamingo
Laysan Duck
Lesser Flamingo
Lesser Scaup
Lesser Whistling Duck
Lesser White-Fronted Goose